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Many Rhode Islanders have called expressing a desire to travel to Florida to assist. The
Red Cross accepts no volunteers who have not been trained to respond in situations such as this. So what can Rhode Islanders do?
- Cash donations with a note as to the intent of the donation. For example:
"To be used for the victims of Hurricane Charley." Donations may be made online to the National Disaster Relief Fund at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW.
Donations for Hurricane Charley may also be sent to the RI Chapter at 105 Gano Street/PO Box 2496, Providence, RI 02906. The Red Cross will be helping tens of thousands to get back on their feet in the days
and weeks to come. We receive NO FEDERAL FUNDING - all donations come from the general public.
- Get trained. We are not disaster proof in Rhode Island and the time WILL
COME when we need trained volunteers to handle a similar situation. Contact the American Red Cross of Rhode Island at 401-831-7700 or 401-846-8100 (Aquidneck Island) or e-mail Nick Logothets at [email protected] for training in your own community.
- Make a plan. Have you taken the time to set up your own family disaster
plan? If not, why not? Red Cross will help you do that. Tips may be found at www.riredcross.org.
- Build a kit for your own use and include items that you specifically might need.
- Give blood. The Rhode Island Blood Center is always in need of a solid blood supply and can be reached at 1-800-282-8385
- Volunteer. We need help right here in Rhode Island. Each community has at
least one shelter that needs to be staffed during a disaster. The training consists of 21 hours - 8 of which are CPR and First Aid. Once you are trained
to respond locally, the Red Cross will help you attain National Response status, if that is what you desire.
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